Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop confirmed the work being taken forward on the next steps towards delivering the scheme before attending a public event in Nairn on Friday 31 May.

The announcement follows the completion of the statutory process for the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme.

Ms Hyslop said: “I understand the importance of the A96 Dualling Inverness to Nairn (including Nairn Bypass) scheme to those living and working in the town of Nairn and the wider area and we are committed to delivering it. The publication of the Made Orders for the scheme in March was a strong sign of our commitment to build this key project.

“I am pleased to confirm that no challenge to the Made Orders was received, which now completes the statutory process and clears the way for us to acquire the land required to construct it.

“We’re also progressing the work to determine the most suitable procurement option for delivering the scheme to enable us to construct it as soon as we can in line with available budgets. This work has already commenced and we will shortly be procuring financial advisors to assist with this vital work. Once completed, we will then be in a position to set a timetable for delivering the scheme.

“When completed, the dualling scheme will bring many benefits to local communities, businesses, visitors and road users living in the north and north east of Scotland, including reduced journey times, improved journey time reliability, further opportunities for active travel and, crucially, improved road safety.

“At the same time, we are also continuing to press ahead with the necessary statutory processes for the adjacent A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton scheme and expect to publish the Made Orders in a matter of weeks. All of this work, along with the ongoing A96 Corridor Review, underlines our commitment to making improvements along the A96.”